Group Photo Camera...

[dhlam]

I was asked to take group photos of 4 to 40 people... so I was wondering
if a D80 would cut it... a friend tells me I probably need either a better lens or
a medium format or larger to get better detail...

anyone think I can pull it off or what would i need to pull it off? I do believe it is not formal and probably does not need to be super high quality but I at least want it to be decent
quality...

thanks

[Ads]

[Jake The Snake]

A lot depends on a few things that you didn't list in your post:
What kind of standard is expected by you (or your client?), is this just something for yourself or a friend or something you will be charging a premium per print for?

Is this a one off or are you planning on doing this again in the future?
As there is no point spending big for this one occasion as you may end up losing money (depending of course on your goals).

Also what budget do you have to work with, of course you will be able to improve from your current kit lens and body, but what is your upgrade budget? I think the D80 would be more than enough for amateur or semi-amateur shooting, with an upgrade to the lens being the best value approach. Best off asking the Nikon folk though as I am only really educated in Canon lenses at the moment.

Hope we can help you out a little, and good luck.
Jake

[Mav]

Even a D40 would be fine. Two most important things will be lighting and your lens. 40 people outdoors won't be an issue, but indoors in a tighter spot and you'll need wider than 28mm.

[dhlam]

Hmmm... thanks for the comments!

I think I'd better try to find a way to test if it would work, I'm thinking it might, cause I'll be shotting out doors so there are plenty of space and it is day time so light isn't an issue

[dhlam]

Is it better to use the 28-80 or a 75-300? Both are Tamrons - I also have a wide angle lens attachment, would it be any help to place that on?

[Christie Photo]

What size prints will you make?

I would use the shorter of the two zooms with no attachment.

-Pete